Oedipus: Arrorance and Destiny - Essay Example

Oedipus is one of the most popular and outstanding pieces of ancient writing. Written by Sophocles, Oedipus depicts the life of a king, whose destiny and pathway have been originally predetermined by gods…

Extract of sample"Oedipus: Arrorance and Destiny"

It would be fair to say that in a person blinded by fate and circumstances, arrogance is both inevitable and inescapable. In Sophocles’ Oedipus, the arrogance of the king is his destiny, which blinds him but eventually allows him to alleviate the burden of ambiguity burdening his heart. The role which destiny plays in human lives is one of the central themes of Sophocles’ Oedipus. Oedipus is a bright embodiment of the tragic circumstances that predetermine human choices. Throughout his life, Oedipus is predetermined to follow a particular path, which changes his life and makes it impossible for him to avoid major difficulties. Oedipus seeks answers to the most problematic questions, which, in turn, push him to follow a particular path: “One clue might lead us far, With but a spark of hope to guide our quest” (Sophocles, n.d.). Oedipus realizes that his quest for answers may guide him far and he cannot change it. However, he does not know that, once having chosen this way, he will not have a chance to change his direction. In this sense, Oedipus is the reflection of the major traditions that shaped human choices in ancient times. At that time, one of the central beliefs was that individuals could not avoid their pre-defined destiny. Like many contemporaries, Oedipus will not be able to avoid the prophecy until he meets the murderer of king Laius and answers his questions.
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I. Excessive Pride in Speech A. Oedipus before his people B. What he reveals about his own self-image II. Excessive Pride in Actions A. Oedipus' actions coming into Thebes B. Creon's warnings to Oedipus III. Downfall A. Pride forces the truth out B. Pride forces great punishment Oedipus the King In his analysis of what makes a true tragedy, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle identified three major elements.

The author states that the term Manifest Destiny was first coined by a reputed journalist, John O’Sulliavan. The concept itself had already been prevalent for some time. The first was that the expansion across the continent was something that was readily apparent (manifest), while the second aspect was that the expansion was inevitable (destiny).

He enjoys a happy family life and has all the fortune a man can dream of. But, he was never peaceful throughout his life. Oedipus lived a life of agony. He doubted Creon and Teiresias blindly, without second thought. Sophocles uses Sight as a metaphor for wisdom and the power to see beyond one's ego in this legend.

This play also addresses the concept of free will and determinism, despite the fact that Oedipus did not become the victim of fate. Although he kills the ex-king, but this action was totally based on his intentions to get the throne. He has been criticised for his act, but his determination and will to have access to the throne is highlighted solidly in this play.

In the following discourse, the tragedy’s section including lines 1370 to 1685 is highlighted with respect to Oedipus feelings about his destiny. Oedipus talks of his past in a manner that perfectly fits

Thus, colonization and territorial acquisition was deemed justified and was considered somewhat of religious obligation. It became the major reason behind the American expansion, not just of territory but also of influence. It

This is also the riddle of existence.
Oedipus lost everything, and became a polluted figure in front of his followers. He did not know that the man he killed was his father; the women he married was his mother; or,

This becomes her flaw as she goes against a king that is willing to defy the gods by not granting Polynices burial rites. This does not just draw the death penalty to herself alone but also to her sister Ismene (Petterson 18).
Though the king frees Ismene, he goes ahead with

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